Meet Antoinette Walker

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Antoinette Walker. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Antoinette, thank you so much for joining us today and appreciate you talking about a sensitive topic. It’s unfortunately relevant to so many in the community as layoffs have been on the rise recently, and so we’d appreciate hearing your story and how you overcame being let go?

Losing a job that I dedicated years of hard work and passion to was not easy. After spending four and a half years in a role I believed would be my long-term career, being let go was a difficult transition. However, I saw it as an opportunity for growth, reflection, and refocusing on what truly excites me professionally. I leaned on my faith, maintained a positive mindset, and sought support from my family and friends. Baking desserts also became a creative and therapeutic outlet that kept me grounded. Through this experience, I’ve become more resilient and adaptable, ready to embrace new opportunities with a fresh perspective.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My passion for food and hospitality began in 2008 when I took a leap of faith and enrolled in a two-year Culinary Arts institute. As a single mother with a four-year-old daughter, I knew I had to create a path that would provide stability while allowing me to pursue something I loved. In 2010, I graduated with my Associate’s Degree and set my sights on expanding my knowledge, transferring to California State University East Bay in 2011.

One of the most defining experiences of my academic journey was studying abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France with my daughter. Living in a new country while navigating school and motherhood taught me resilience, adaptability, and the power of stepping outside of my comfort zone. It also deepened my love for hospitality, inspiring me to explore how food and culture bring people together. In 2017, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism with a minor in French, ready to apply everything I had learned to my career.

Throughout my career in food and beverage management, I developed a strong foundation in operations, leadership, and customer experience. But beyond the logistics of running restaurants and catering operations, what truly fueled me was the way food brings people together. I’ve always believed that desserts, in particular, have a unique way of creating moments of joy, nostalgia, and connection.

That belief, combined with my love for baking, inspired me to start Lil Thick Desserts in 2023. I wanted to create a brand that celebrates bold, indulgent flavors while embracing the idea that desserts should be fun, satisfying, and made with love. But it wasn’t just about the sweets—I also saw entrepreneurship as a way to challenge myself, build something from the ground up, and create a legacy for my daughter.

Starting my own business has been both rewarding and humbling. It has taught me invaluable lessons in financial management, branding, and customer engagement, while also pushing me to stay innovative and adaptable. Most importantly, it’s reinforced my passion for making people happy through food—something that has always been at the heart of my journey.

At the moment, I’m focused on growing Lil Thick Desserts while also exploring new ways to connect with my community. One exciting project I’m working on is $5.00 Sundays at San Pablo Park in Berkeley, where I offer a variety of desserts at an accessible price point. It’s a great way to share my love for baking, experiment with different flavors, and engage directly with my local community.

Looking ahead, I’m passionate about continuing to evolve as a business owner, expanding my reach, and finding new ways to create meaningful experiences for people through food. My journey has been about resilience, adaptability, and constantly learning, and I’m excited to see where this next chapter will take me.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Resilience:
Starting my career as a single mother in a challenging environment taught me to preserve, even when faced with setbacks. Whether it was balancing school and motherhood or navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, resilience allowed me to push through tough moments. My advice to others is to embrace challenges as opportunities to grow. Don’t let failure define you—learn from it and keep moving forward.

Adaptability:
One of the key skills that has been impactful in my journey is adaptability. After losing my job, I had to adapt to the changes that were ahead by staying focused on the end goal. Navigating that difficult time required me to adjust my mindset, seek new opportunities, and remain open to different paths, ultimately leading me to pursue my passion for entrepreneurship with Lil Thick Desserts. For those early in their journey, I recommend remaining open to change and learning to pivot when needed. Life is full of unexpected twists, and being adaptable can turn challenges into breakthroughs to find new ways to move forward.

Goal Setting:
Goal-setting has been a guiding force throughout my journey. When I first decided to pursue my culinary degree while raising my daughter, my goal was clear: to build a stable and successful future for us. Setting both long-term and short-term goals kept me focused and motivated, even during the most challenging times. Whether it was graduating, transferring to university, or launching Lil Thick Desserts, each goal helped me break down the larger picture into manageable steps. My advice for others just starting out is to not only set goals but make them personal. When your goals reflect your passions and values, they become more meaningful and give you a sense of purpose through the ups and downs of your journey.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve learned to take a step back and breathe. I’ve realized that when everything feels like it’s piling up, it helps to pause, even for just a few moments. I’ll take a walk, pray, or just close my eyes to reset. This moment of stillness allows me to regain perspective and focus on what truly matters.

I also prioritize tasks by breaking them down into smaller, manageable pieces. Writing everything down helps me organize my thoughts and remind myself that I don’t need to do everything at once.

But more than anything, I’ve learned the power of leaning on others. I’ve learned to turn to God, my family, and my friends, who are always just a phone call away. Their support and encouragement help me feel grounded and remind me that I’m not alone, no matter how much is on my plate.

For others feeling overwhelmed, I would say don’t hesitate to take that step back and ask for help when needed. Trust in your support system—whether it’s loved ones or colleagues—and lean on them when you need a boost. And remember, it’s okay to take breaks and focus on self-care. By breaking things down and allowing yourself to reset, you can tackle challenges with more clarity and confidence.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lil_thick_desserts
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lil_thick_desserts